29/08/2008

Police To Re-Enter Arson House

Police are hoping to resume searching inside the fire-gutted Osbaston House later today as their search for clues into the occupants' fate continues.

Earlier today officers had to pull out of the severely damaged house, in its own extensive grounds near Maesbrook, Shropshire, because of falling debris.

It is still not known if Christopher Foster, 50, his wife Jillian, 49, and daughter Kirstie, 15, were in the building when it was set alight early on Tuesday in a suspected arson attack.

Businessman Christopher Foster, his wife Jill and 15-year-old daughter Kirstie from Shropshire have been reported missing since the blaze began at their home shortly before 5am.

It took fire crews several hours to control the fire, and because of the extent of the blaze police had been prevented from entering until this morning.

West Mercia Constabulary yesterday refused to comment on reports that bullet cartridges and pools of blood were found in the courtyard.

A police spokesman said: "There is a lot of speculation going on. When we are able to, we will issue facts.."

See: Fire Ravaged Mansion Echoes Another Tragedy

(CD/JM)

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